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Davidson County, NC growth snapshot

Davidson County had an estimated 180,182 residents in 2025, up 6.6% (11,153 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 43rd fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 2,447 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 46,241 jobs in 2025, +8.5% since 2020 (65th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,055.

Unemployment averaged 3.8% in 2025, 0.1 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 1,216 new homes in 2025, or 6.7 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $64,172 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +27.2% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 424th.

Part of the Winston-Salem, NC metro area.

Davidson County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
2025180,182+2,201
2024177,981+3,007
2023174,974+2,598
2022172,376+1,806
2021170,570+1,541
2020169,029–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Davidson County

Davidson County grew by 11,153 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+12,081).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−402−2,541
International migrationfrom and to other countries+176+1,559
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+2,447+12,081
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−20+54
Total change+2,201+11,153

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn North CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth28th of 100424th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents18th of 100324th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth31st of 100755th of 3,092
Median household income41st of 1001,671st of 3,107
Average weekly wage28th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate44th of 1001,320th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents38th of 100372nd of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Davidson County's population change (+6.6%) was ahead of 5 of its 7 neighbouring counties and behind 2 (Davie County and Stanly County).

4 of its 7 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Davidson County's $64,172 (2020–24).

Davidson County, NC and its 7 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Davidson County, NC This county180,182+6.6%13.66.7$64,172
Rowan County, NC155,096+5.6%7.86.2$65,725
Davie County, NC45,855+6.9%10.85.1$75,057
Forsyth County, NC401,718+5.0%4.67.2$67,165
Stanly County, NC68,830+9.8%17.44.9$60,704
Randolph County, NC149,516+3.5%3.93.8$61,022
Guilford County, NC562,234+4.4%2.05.1$68,642
Montgomery County, NC26,403+2.7%5.86.7$57,766

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 100 North Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Davidson County?

About 180,182 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Davidson County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 6.6% between 2020 and 2025, about 11,153 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 43rd of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Davidson County?

On net, about 2,447 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Davidson County?

Employers there reported 46,241 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +8.5% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,055 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Davidson County?

It averaged 3.8% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Davidson County?

Building permits authorized 1,216 new housing units in 2025, 6.7 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Davidson County?

$64,172 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Davidson County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 28th of 100 for population growth; 18th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 31st of 100 for private-sector job growth; 41st of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 424th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.